Expert Psychiatric Care, Forensic Consultation, and Trauma-Informed Services
Core Services
Expert Witness & Forensic Psychiatric Consultation
Dr. Sugar has served as an expert witness in civil, criminal, and administrative matters since 1990. He is board-certified in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry, and brings particular depth in cases involving:
- Childhood trauma, loss, and adverse experiences
- Institutional abuse or neglect
- PTSD and dissociative symptoms
- Psychological impact of physical injury or violence
- Misdiagnosis and differential diagnosis (e.g., psychosis vs. trauma response)
- Date rape, internet grooming, and boundary violations
- Psychiatric damages in employment and personal injury cases
Available for both plaintiff and defense. Reports are thorough, timely, and medically sound. Dr. Sugar also offers second opinions and medical record reviews.
Serving clients across California and available for out-of-state consultation when appropriate.
Psychiatric Evaluation & Independent Medical Examination (IME)
Dr. Sugar conducts psychiatric evaluations for legal, institutional, or personal purposes, including:
- Fitness-for-duty evaluations
- Psychiatric disability assessments
- IMEs for insurance or litigation
- Developmental and trauma-informed assessments for children and adolescents
- Differential diagnosis and complex case review
All evaluations are conducted personally by Dr. Sugar and include detailed documentation suitable for court, hearings, or treatment planning.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
With deep roots in both clinical care and academic leadership, Dr. Sugar has spent most of his career focused on youth impacted by trauma, adversity, and psychiatric illness.
He offers consultation in cases involving:
- Severe behavior disturbances or emotional dysregulation
- Trauma-related disorders, including complex PTSD
- Family conflict, post-separation adjustment, or custody evaluations
- Concerns about abuse, neglect, or institutional care
- Collaboration with schools, residential programs, or social service systems
His approach is collaborative, developmentally informed, and grounded in both science and human care.
Trauma-Informed Clinical Consultation
Dr. Sugar is available to consult with professionals and institutions on trauma-informed care practices, psychiatric interpretation of trauma-related symptoms, and complex case formulation.
He also advises on training, supervision models, and psychiatric program development for agencies serving youth and families.
Specialized Focus Areas
Dr. Sugar’s services are particularly sought in cases involving:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Childhood neglect, abuse, or loss
- Institutional trauma and systems-involved youth
- Psychiatric injury following accidents or assaults
- Misdiagnosis or treatment-related disputes
- Adolescent development and dissociation
- Workplace trauma and psychiatric disability
Approach You Can Trust
Dr. Sugar is known for his ability to translate complex psychiatric findings into clear, understandable language. He brings both clinical integrity and a human-centered lens to every case he takes on.
His services reflect not just his qualifications, but his belief in doing careful, meaningful work when it matters most.
If you are looking for expert psychiatric consultation, forensic evaluation, or support in a trauma-related case, please reach out directly. Dr. Sugar reviews every inquiry personally and will respond with next steps when appropriate.